If you are shopping for a ring, pendant or earrings, you have probably run into the same question: should the stone be a diamond or moissanite? Both are hard, brilliant and made for everyday wear. They differ in origin, in the kind of sparkle they give off, and in cost. Here is a plain comparison.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first found in 1893 by chemist Henri Moissan, who was studying rock from a meteor crater in Arizona. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so the stones used in jewelry today are typically created in a lab.
How moissanite and diamond compare
Hardness. On the Mohs scale, diamond is a 10 and moissanite is around 9.25. Both are hard enough for daily wear and resist scratching far better than most gemstones.
Sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond and tends to show more colorful flashes of light, often called fire. Diamonds have a crisper, more white-and-silver brilliance. Neither is better; it comes down to which look you prefer, and it is worth seeing both in person or on video if you can.
Price. Moissanite generally costs much less than a diamond of a similar size, which is why many people choose it when they want a larger or more detailed piece.
Tradition. Diamonds carry a long tradition, especially for engagement rings. Moissanite is newer to the market but has become a popular choice for people who want a stone that looks luminous without the diamond price tag.
Which is right for you?
Moissanite is a good fit if you want a lot of sparkle, plan to wear your jewelry often, or like the idea of putting more of your budget into design and craftsmanship. A diamond may suit you better if tradition matters to you or you want the classic diamond look. Many people own both.
Moissanite at Meli
Meli pieces are set with moissanite in 14K gold plate or silver. The Omnia Ring pairs moissanite with silver, while the Totem Ring and the Initial Pendant use 14K gold plate. Every piece is made to order, so please allow about 2 weeks for fabrication and delivery.
Browse the full range of Meli jewelry to see how moissanite looks across rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets.
What to look at when you compare stones
Whichever stone you choose, judge it in the setting it will actually be worn in. Look at how it catches light in daylight, indoors and at night, because moissanite and diamond respond differently to each. Size matters too: a stone that is the same weight can look larger or smaller depending on how it is cut, and moissanite is usually described by its dimensions in millimeters rather than carat weight.
How to shop with confidence
- Ask what the stone is, how big it is and how it is set.
- Check the metal, whether solid gold, gold plate or silver, since that affects both price and care.
- Read the care instructions so you know how to keep the stone bright.
- Be clear on production time, especially if the piece is made to order.
Quick answers
Is moissanite durable enough for every day? Yes. At around 9.25 on the Mohs scale it is very hard. Regular cleaning keeps it bright.
Does moissanite look like a diamond? It looks similar at a glance, but it usually shows more rainbow-colored flashes in light.
